Climate change and pollution are increasing challenges for women and girls in Basra

Iraqi Al-Amal Association recently published research entitled (Climate change and pollution are increasing challenges for women and girls in Basra), by Dr. Ilham Makki Hammadi, who indicated in the introduction to the research that:

“In an attempt to address the scarcity of existing literature on women and climate change in Iraq, this research makes a significant contribution by providing a better understanding of how climate change has affected the lives of women and girls in Basra. It highlights how climate changes are exacerbating the economic, social, and health challenges historically facing women and girls in the region. It identifies not only how women face twice the challenges facing men due to climate change but also how they can mitigate and adapt to its effects.”

“For women, the experience of climate change is different from that of boys and men. It influences historical and structural inequalities between men and women that shape the manner and extent of women’s ability to lead, make decisions, take action, and provide solutions to address the problem. Explicit and implicit social norms and laws have imposed differential powers, roles, and responsibilities on women and men in all aspects of life. In addition to caring for all household members, girls and women bear unequal responsibilities in securing food, water, energy, and other vital resources. Thus, women are exposed to the risk of harsh and harmful climate impacts, such as displacement, loss of food security, high health risks, and all forms of violence.”

The research is part of a project implemented by the Iraqi Al-Amal Association, with the support of the French Embassy – French Cultural Institute.